SIGMA 800mm APO dg (1 Viewer)

Hi all, has anybody on this forum got any experience with this lens? and maybe a few images to show please. Thanks. Mike

I have the 300-800mm version which I'm very happy with. It is a big beast mind you and for me tends to limit my mobility. I tend to have a place to set up in mind and then stay there. Camera, tripod, gimbal head and lens is all in the region of 12 Kg which after a while tends to feel more like 100Kg.
The Lens is sharp and with the zoom versatile but I've never used the 800mm prime version.
Andrew

thanks andrew, I am considering this lens, and appreciate your comments, I realise its its heavy and large, I will be using it with a 7D. the prime version is a bit more cheaper as well. I will also need to a larger rucksack.what would you advise. regards mike

Mike,

like Andrew I too use the 300-800 and am also a very happy chappy. Ignoring the weight issues (actually its not too bad considering..) I'd say that if the prime is like the zoom then it'll be a cracker, I would suggest the zoom is the better as it's so handy having the range and I tend not to shoot at 800mm very often.

The only down side is the fact that's it's f5.6 and lacks image stabilistation but a bit of practice can help that on a dullish day and an acceptance that not every shot will be a keeper but that's normal for any lens.

I can't help with a rucksack as I carry mine using the shoulder strap supplied or mounted on the tripod over my shoulder for which I would reccomend a bit of padding if you're on a long walk.

There are plenty of examples in my gallery or on my flickr page using the 300-800.

All the best if you take the plunge.
Ian

Some more good points from Ian there Mike.
I'm not sure if there's a bag big enough to take the lens. I like Ian tend to carry it either in the bag it comes with or on the tripod. I do find it very uncomfortable o carry on the tripod however.
I also bought a small trolly from John Lewis that I can strap the lens in its bag to plus tripod and use that to get the lens from say a car park to where I intend to set up. That works well provided the terrain is suitable for a small wheeled trolley - obviously useless over rough terrain on sand or gravel.
I'll see if I can dig out some shots taken with the lens. there's a few on my website but none I can specifically point you to right now.
I bought a Sigma 500mm f4.5 late last year and simply love it. It's my main lens I use now and the 300-800 rarely sees the light of day to be honest.
Andrew

Thankyou both, It will be mainly for hides etc not as a general walkabout lens, I already have the 150-500 for that. will look for a newish s/h model apparently the DG model is better? thanks again mike